Rock meets racing - Q&A with Kasabian's Tom Meighan
12 Sep 2010

British band of the moment Kasabian were welcome guests in Monza, back in the paddock following their first Formula One visit at Silverstone last year. Given their fascination for the sights, sounds and smells of the sport, perhaps an F1 influence could find its way on to their next record when they hit the studio in November. We spoke to lead singer Tom Meighan

Q: Tom, this is only Kasabians second Grand Prix after Silverstone last year?Tom Meigham: Youre right, it is, and it is wonderful. We were F1 virgins last year, but now you can see we are a bit more experienced when it comes to F1.

Q: So what do you make of the experience?TM: Its the sound, the smell, and lots of nice people. Its simply great.

Q: And what will you take away with you from your F1 experience?TM: Probably the will to win is the thing that inspires you most when youre at a race. These are all amazing guys in their cars. They are competing so hard against each other, but there also has to be some respect involved, as what they are doing is quite dangerous.

Q: So what about the sound of the cars? Inspiration for a song perhaps?TM: The sound at a race comes very close to Star Wars - it is fantastic. Yeah, lets wait and see if we will do a song about motor racing

Q: So how is Monza different to Silverstone?TM: Monza is great, the women are great - weve obviously stepped up a class. Its the beautiful people - thats what you see in Monza!

Q: You must have a favourite among the drivers TM: Button for sure, but I also kind of like Rubens Barrichello. I like the sound of his name. You have to savour it - very slowly. But sure, for good British boys it must be Hamilton and Button.

Q: How do the music business and Formula One compare?TM: There is no comparison. This here is somehow like being in space - just incredible!

Q: You have just finished a tour together with U2. How was it?TM: It was great and somehow a bit strange. The gigs were a bit strange. You know, you have that U2 crowd and we sure are a bit different. Them and us, we have both been exposed to very different experiences. But yes, it was nice. Were trying to break a bit bigger on the continent. Were getting a name in Italy and Germany and France. Weve played a lot of shows lately so when our next record is out our fans there will know what to do.

Q: Your last, hugely successful album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum was out in 2009. When will you release something new?TM: We will be back in the studio in November and record a new record and then go on tour next year - UK, Europe, everywhere. After months of domestic violence in the studio we need to get out!

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